Thursday, July 8, 2010

Breastfeeding H.E.L.P.S.

This is a great "cheat sheet" about what to remember in the early days of nursing. I found this at http://www.mountnittany.org/departments/maternity-services/tips-and-support, but I thought it was so good, I wanted to repost it, and modify the Support section a bit.

BREASTFEEDING H.E.L.P.S.

H: Hunger Cues

  • Awakening
  • Soft sounds
  • Mouthing (licking lips, sticking out tongue)
  • Rooting (turning head and opening mouth)
  • Hand moving towards mouth
  • Cries that get louder and louder (last sign!)

E: Expectations (Minimum)

  • 8 to 12 feedings/24 hours
  • Day 1: 1 wet diaper; 1 soiled diaper
  • Day 2: 2 wet diapers; 2 soiled diapers
  • Day 3: 3 wet diapers; 2 soiled diapers
  • Day 4: 4 wet diapers; 3 soiled diapers
  • Day 5: 5 wet diapers; 3 soiled diapers
  • Day 6: 6 wet diapers; 4 soiled diapers
  • Day 7 and thereafter: same as Day 6

L: Latch-On

  • Hold breast in shape to match angle of baby's face
  • Tickle baby's lips with nipple
  • WAIT until baby's mouth opens WIDE
  • Move baby to breast, leading with the chin (not the nose)
  • Break suction gently if needed

P: Positioning (Mom & Baby Comfortable!)

  • Mom and baby well-supported
  • Baby's ear, shoulder and hip in straight line
  • Baby's face isn't turned
  • If in cradle or cross-cradle holds, place "tummy to tummy"
  • Bring baby to breast, not breast to baby!

S: Support

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